press release

Stuttgart – Now that the relevant authorities have given their approval, Bosch is moving ahead with the reorganization of its lithium-ion traction battery operations. Effective immediately, the former operating units SB LiMotive Germany GmbH in Stuttgart and Cobasys LLC based in Orion, Michigan, will be incorporated into the Bosch Group as a wholly owned subsidiary under the new name Robert Bosch Battery Systems.

As part of the further intensification of battery activities, Bosch has taken on all existing battery system projects. It is planned for Samsung SDI to be the cell supplier. In addition, Bosch will have the flexibility to use cells from other manufacturers. The Fiat 500e, which was recently unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show and will go into series production in 2013, is the first all-electric vehicle with a Bosch battery pack.

Focus on the battery systemCurrently, Bosch is concentrating on the battery system and in particular battery management and matching energy storage to the vehicle as a whole, which includes all aspects of mechanical and electronic integration. This is exactly where the company's classical competencies lie. After all, the efficiency and performance of electric vehicles depend on obtaining the optimum interaction of all electric and electronic components and managing major battery variables such as temperature or state of charge so that they meet the specific requirements of different situations. Developments in these areas can deliver significant improvements in range and charging time, which are the decisive factors for the success of electric vehicles. This is one of the reasons why Daimler chose a Bosch battery management system for its Smart EV.

More efficient lithium-ion battery cells in developmentAs part of their continued cooperation, the former joint venture partners have agreed to give each other access to the patents. On this basis, Bosch will be able to develop new generations of cells and the production methods for more efficient and economical energy storage. This development involves Bosch researchers, current engineering work on maritime applications, and Bosch process technology and manufacturing specialists, in close cooperation with selected partners.

Independent European network of battery specialistsDemand for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids is predicted to sharply increase from 2020. Bosch is making good use of the time available by further expanding its activities to develop and produce more efficient lithium-ion battery systems. Bosch wants to cooperate closely with specialist partners from industry and higher education to establish research and development work on high-performance battery cells in Germany and to set up a European specialist and supplier network. This will cultivate expertise relating not only to batteries for electromobility, but also to the stationary energy storage devices of the future.

As one of the world's leading automotive suppliers, Bosch is taking up the best possible position in the battery technology market for hybrid and electric vehicles. To achieve this, the Bosch Group spends 400 million euros a year for electromobility alone. Bosch currently has over 1,100 associates working in this field – including the roughly 500 battery specialists in Germany, the U.S., and China. This global presence gives Bosch close contact to its customers in the world's most important e-mobility markets.

Mobility Solutions is the largest Bosch Group business sector. In 2014, its sales came to 33.3 billion euros, or 68 percent of total group sales. This makes the Bosch Group one of the leading automotive suppliers. The Mobility Solutions business sector combines the group's expertise in three mobility domains - automation, electrification, and connectivity - and offers its customers integrated mobility solutions. Its main areas of activity are injection technology and powertrain peripherals for internal-combustion engines, diverse solutions for powertrain electrification, vehicle safety systems, driver-assistance and automated functions, technology for user-friendly infotainment as well as car-to-car and Car2X communication, repair-shop concepts, and technology and services for the automotive aftermarket. Bosch has been responsible for important automotive innovations, such as electronic engine management, the ESP anti-skid system, and common-rail diesel technology.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 360,000 associates worldwide (as per April 1, 2015). The company generated sales of 49 billion euros in 2014.* Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiary and regional companies in some 60 countries. Including its sales and service partners, Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. In 2014, Bosch applied for some 4,600 patents worldwide. The Bosch Group’s strategic objective is to create solutions for a connected life. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is “Invented for life.”

*The sales figure disclosed for 2014 does not include the former joint ventures BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH (now BSH Hausgeräte GmbH) and ZF Lenksysteme GmbH (now Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH), which have since been taken over completely.